In 2025, Epoch Times compiles a list of must-read articles for readers daily:
1.
Successor “Civil War” Starting? Unusual Moves by Ding Xuexiang Lead to Speculation
The political situation in China has become increasingly mysterious at the beginning of 2025. Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Chinese Communist Party’s Politburo Standing Committee who has been rumored to have ambitions for succession, has recently been absent from some major events where his presence would have been expected, sparking speculation. Earlier reports suggested that Xi Jinping, who is still appearing prominently in public, is actually seriously ill, and with no successor officially declared, the power struggle leading up to the delayed Fourth Plenum has become particularly intense. Foreign media have pointed out that a political storm may erupt in Beijing in 2025.
2.
23 Provinces Below Economic Growth Target Last Year, Guangdong Has Poor Performance for Many Years
The economic data for 2024 of the 31 provinces and regions in mainland China have all been released, with 23 provinces and regions falling below their annual targets, including some major economic provinces. At the same time, the per capita disposable income growth in 23 provinces and regions, including Shanghai and Beijing, has decreased.
3.
Engaging in Power and Money Exchange, Former Party Secretary of Hainan Province, Luo Baoming, Arrested
Luo Baoming, the vice chairman of the Thirteenth National People’s Congress Overseas Chinese Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, has been arrested on suspicion of bribery and transferred to the prosecutor’s office for review and prosecution. On February 10, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate of the Chinese Communist Party announced that Luo Baoming had been arrested on suspicion of bribery. Luo Baoming served for many years in Hainan Province, reaching the position of provincial party secretary.
4.
Traffic Police Officer in Binzhou, Shandong, Killed by Being Hit and Flung On the Street
On February 6, the ninth day of the Lunar New Year, Wang Bo, a 55-year-old instructional officer of the 2nd Squadron of the Traffic Police Brigade of Boxing County Public Security Bureau in Binzhou City, Shandong Province, was hit and flung while checking for drunk driving by an unlicensed driver who accelerated his vehicle. Despite rescue efforts, he died.
5.
Landslide in Sichuan, Villagers: The Entire Mountain Slid Down
Recently, a landslide occurred in Jinping Village, Junlian County, Yibin City, Sichuan Province. As of 11:00 on February 9, one person died, and 28 people went missing. Villagers said the entire mountain slid down, with dust filling the air for about ten minutes, and large rocks sliding down.
6.
China’s January PPI Decreased by 2.3% Year-on-Year, Continues to Drop for 28 Consecutive Months
The National Bureau of Statistics of the Chinese Communist Party announced on February 9 that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in January increased by 0.5% year-on-year, while the Producer Price Index (PPI) decreased by 2.3% year-on-year, marking the 28th consecutive month of decline. This indicates weak demand and significant deflationary pressure.
7.
Guangxi Reports Human Infection of H10N3 Avian Influenza in Critical Condition
Amid the prevalence of various viruses such as the new coronavirus, avian flu, and Hantavirus on the mainland of China, Guangxi recently reported a rare case of a human infected with H10N3 avian influenza in critical condition, raising concerns.
8.
Chinese Valentine’s Day – Lantern Festival Illuminates Profound Meaningful Celebration
The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuanxiao, Lantern Festival, and Yuan Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival with magnificent lantern displays that has been passed down for over two thousand years since the Han Dynasty. On the fifteenth day of the first month of the lunar calendar, the first full moon of the new year shines bright, heralding the coming of spring. On this night, eating tangyuan (sweet rice balls), viewing lanterns, and solving riddles are traditional ways of celebrating. Lighting, burning, and admiring lanterns are the most eye-catching, creating a nostalgic atmosphere of accompanying loved ones to view the lanterns, sparking the desires of generations, igniting youth, and welcoming blessings.
9.
Amidst Military Coup Rumors, Two Actions of the Chinese Communist Party’s Military Commission Point to Concerns about Losing Military Control
After a recent round of internal purges and infighting within the Chinese Communist Party’s military over the past two years, rumors have circulated about plans for a military coup. The Chinese Communist Party’s Military Commission recently issued a directive to strengthen “military education” and emphasize “ideological transformation” of a “critical few.” During the same period, the authorities published the “Regulations on the Management of Military Information Communication on the Internet,” sparking attention. Analysts believe that these two actions indicate that the authorities have entered a tense state, responding to a crisis of losing control over military loyalty within the Chinese Communist Party.
10.
Nonfiction Narrative Literature: The Journey of Escaping Life and Death (Part One)
Upon his release from prison, he made up his mind to escape, with the United States as his first choice. Recalling the torture he endured in prison, he felt chills down his spine, having lived with no dignity, worse off than even pigs and dogs. A righteous man, thrown into prison for six years, suffering torment. After his release, he could not escape harassment, surveillance, persecution, and brainwashing. What kind of nation is this?
11.
China’s January PPI Decreased by 2.3% Year-on-Year, Continues to Drop for 28 Consecutive Months
The National Bureau of Statistics of the Chinese Communist Party announced on February 9 that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in January increased by 0.5% year-on-year, while the Producer Price Index (PPI) decreased by 2.3% year-on-year, marking the 28th consecutive month of decline. This indicates weak demand and significant deflationary pressure.
12.
Former Xinhua News Agency Journalist Who Called for Investigating Li Keqiang’s Cause of Death Allegedly Sentenced
Former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang passed away suddenly two years ago, and the cause of his death has always been questioned. There are reports that Gu Wanming, a former Xinhua News Agency journalist who publicly called for an investigation into Li Keqiang’s cause of death, has been sentenced by the authorities and had his retirement benefits revoked.
13.
Shi Kejian: Trump’s Imposition of Tariffs, Why Target Allies Mexico and Canada First?
Trump’s tariff hammer has fallen. The first three countries to be hit were China, Mexico, and Canada.
14.
Opaque Agreement Between Cook Islands and China, Concerns in New Zealand
The Prime Minister of the Cook Islands will visit China this week to sign an agreement but has not communicated in advance with traditional ally New Zealand, deepening concerns in the Western world about China’s increasing influence in the Pacific region.
15.
Fake Snowscape Created with Cotton, Chengdu “Snow Village” Scenic Area Exposed
Counterfeit incidents in Chinese tourist areas continue to emerge. During the Chinese New Year, the Chengdu Qinglan Nanbaoshan Resort “Snow Village” was criticized for using cotton as snow and soap for “snowfall.” After the suspicions arose, the scenic area issued an apology letter and temporarily closed the park.